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Xavier University project would honor alum John Boehner

Xavier University project would honor alum John Boehner

Former Speaker of the House John Boehner and Xavier University are trying to partner on a project at the school in Cincinnati. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/FILE

CINCINNATI

The alma mater of former U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner is looking to honor his legacy “through a student-centered project,” according to a Xavier University spokeswoman.

Boehner, a 1977 Xavier University graduate, and Xavier University President Mike Graham hosted an “informal gathering of about 25 people” in Naples, Fla., on Tuesday, said Kelly Leon, director of Strategic Communications at the university. They discussed “honoring the speaker’s legacy through a student-centered project at Xavier University,” she said.

“Details of what that will look like are still being determined,” Leon said. “We’re excited about the opportunities this will bring to our students and our community.”

The news was first released by former Hamilton County District Court of Appeals Judge Sylvia Hendon, who was one of those attending the informal gathering in Florida, on her Facebook page. She wrote: “Great to see Speaker John Boehner and hear about the exciting new initiative coming to Xavier-The Boehner Institute- guiding the leaders of tomorrow!”

Boehner spokesman Dave Schnittger said “some projects are in the works that reflect the special relationship and history he has with the school.”

“A formal announcement will be made at some point in the future,” he said. “The nature and timing of such an announcement is yet to be determined and will be made by or with Xavier University.”

Boehner, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Xavier, addressed graduating students in May 2016 after he received the Charles P. Gallagher Leadership Medallion Award “for his servant leadership in government and public service, and for exemplifying Xavier’s values and mission,” according to the school.

He delivered the commencement speech to the Class of 2006 a decade earlier.